Mt. Vesuvius at the height of its eruption. A mixture of hot lava, ash and smoke can be seen swirling above the crater created by this flow. This material fell over an area of several miles and was very dangerous for anyone in the debris area.

Naples, Spring 1944, after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. One of the world's most beautiful cities, Naples was a mix of very old residential and fairly modern apartment structures, each built to afford a view of the magnificent harbor.

The Allied forces invaded Italy in September, 1943. This was followed in March, 1944 by a massive eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Lava flowed for days and covered many villages and farms to the northwest from the ancient ruins of Pompeii. At least the...

A view of Vesuvius from the western part of Naples, clearly showing the massive lava cloud spewing from the volcano's top. This photo, made near the beginning of the eruption, shows a southward flow of lava and a very high concentration of ash in...

The fury of the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius was more apparent at night when lava flow could nearly always be seen, a pattern of outcroppings that changed nightly. Here the front is advancing towards Naples. This flow occurred irregularly...

A view of the harbor at Naples with Mt. Vesuvius in the background. A truly beautiful city, Naples was a nice retreat from assignments in the forward areas. This photo was made after the massive eruption of Vesuvius and clearly shows the newly...

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